- The Government of India has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, as the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
- Presently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Seth will assume office from the afternoon of June 30, 2026.
- He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, who is set to retire from service on the same day.
- The appointment marks the culmination of a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, during which Lt Gen Seth has held several key operational, strategic and leadership positions within the Indian Army.
Distinguished Military Career
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
Over the years, he has gained extensive experience across:
- Operational commands
- Strategic planning
- Capability development
- Force modernization
- Institutional leadership
His contributions have played a significant role in enhancing the Indian Army’s combat effectiveness and long-term transformation.
Command Experience Across Diverse Theatres
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth has commanded military formations at every level in varied operational environments.
His key command assignments include:
- Commanding an Armoured Regiment in the Desert Sector
- Leading an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre
- Heading a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir
- Commanding the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier strike corps
- Serving as General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area
As GOC Delhi Area, he supervised important military engagements, ceremonial duties and interactions with foreign delegations.
Rare Distinction of Leading Two Army Commands
On being promoted to Army Commander, Lt Gen Seth commanded:
- South Western Command
- Southern Command
This achievement gave him the rare distinction of commanding two operational Army Commands, where he provided strategic leadership across critical theatres for more than two-and-a-half years.
Architect of Army Modernisation
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth is widely recognised for his role in the modernisation of the Indian Army.
He has held crucial appointments in:
- Strategic Planning
- Capability Development
- Force Structuring
- Modernisation Initiatives
At Army Headquarters, he contributed significantly to:
- Formulating long-term capability roadmaps
- Integrating emerging technologies into military systems
- Aligning operational requirements with future battlefield needs
- Shaping the Army’s transformation strategy
His efforts have helped strengthen India’s preparedness for next-generation warfare.
Academic and Professional Excellence
An accomplished military professional, Lt Gen Seth has consistently excelled in military education and training.
He is:
- A graduate of the Higher Command Course
- An alumnus of the National Defence College (NDC)
- A participant of the prestigious Command & Staff Course in Paris, France
These achievements reflect his broad strategic vision and understanding of contemporary military affairs.
Leadership at a Time of Transformation
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth takes over as Chief of Army Staff at a time when the Indian military is undergoing significant transformation.
The Army is focusing on:
- Indigenous defence technologies
- Theatre command reforms
- Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems
- Cyber and electronic warfare
- Modernisation of armoured and infantry capabilities
- Enhanced jointness among the three armed forces
His extensive experience in strategic planning and force development is expected to guide the Army through this crucial phase.
General Upendra Dwivedi to Retire
Lt Gen Seth will replace General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires on June 30, 2026.
General Dwivedi’s tenure witnessed important developments in:
- Border preparedness
- Indigenous military capabilities
- Operational readiness
- Joint military planning
The leadership transition is expected to ensure continuity in the Indian Army’s modernisation and operational priorities.
Conclusion
The appointment of Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of Army Staff marks an important moment for the Indian Army.
With extensive operational experience, a strong background in strategic planning and a proven track record in force modernisation, he is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the Army’s future and strengthening India’s national security in an increasingly complex global environment.